Joining the ranks of other A-listers who found a home at Studio 54, Diane Von Furstenberg was a regular at the club. The famous fashion designer enjoyed the freeing environment of Studio 54, where she would often strut around in her latest designs with confidence. Von Furstenberg once told Vanity Fair that she had more fun at Studio 54 than any other nightclub in the world.
That’s quite the glowing recommendation for the short-lived disco. The fashion designer even held her own fashion show at the venue, which was a first for Studio 54. The show, which featured her iconic wrap dresses and other designs, was attended by some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment.
The IRS Confronted Club Owners Rubell and Schrager in 1978
From an outside perspective, Studio 54 was a dream. It was filled to the brim with the rich and famous, and many people could only dream of stepping through its doors. To the government, however, the club was an illegal operation run by criminals. In 1978, the IRS confronted club owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager.
Studio 54 was a safe haven for celebrities from across the country. Unfortunately, it's popularity and carefree attitude didn’t stop the government from closing its doors. The club's license was revoked, and it shut its doors for good. The owners pleaded guilty to the charges and spent 13 months in jail.
Studio 54 Was the Best Party In NYC
While the club boasted plenty of wild antics on any given evening, Studio 54 also loved the opportunity to throw a real party. If you think a live horse running through the dance floor is crazy enough, think again. To celebrate the premiere of 'Grease,' Studio 54 hired men to ride motorcycles through the crowd of patrons. At one point, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre performed in the middle of the club.
Another time, the club organized a yacht party on the Hudson River featuring a live performance by Grace Jones. Studio 54's party planning skills were truly unmatched. Whatever the occasion, Studio 54 always found a way to go over the top and host the best party in the city.
Ignoring the Haters
The doors to Studio 54 were constantly met with masses of people hoping to get in and see a little bit of the action. But this hotspot wasn't everybody's cup of tea. The wild parties and hedonistic practices that infamously took place there had many people shaking their heads. Schrager recalls facing great backlash and resentment. People pegged the Studio as the poster boy for everything that was wrong with the younger generation, the economy, nightlife, and more.
Apparently, that didn't stop the place from holding more epic parties until the very end. Studio 54 remained a mecca for partygoers until the day it closed its doors. Its reputation as a den of debauchery only fueled the curiosity of those who wished to experience the wild, hedonistic atmosphere for themselves.
Getting Inside Was About More Than Notoriety
As we’ve said, getting inside the doors of Studio 54 was nothing short of a miracle. However, it was about much more than notoriety. Owner Steve Rubell explained that he wanted a mix of guests in his club, which led to his subjective picking and choosing of random patrons that lined up outside the door.
Rubell didn’t care if a normal person mixed with his A-listers, but they had to bring something unique to the table. From certain energy to a festive outfit, any random attribute could be enough to grant you access to the world’s most famous club.